Causes of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

The main risk factor for a transient ischemic attack, not to mention stroke, is high blood pressure. Other major risk factors may include heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and a family history of stroke. All these may increase a person’s likelihood of suffering a TIA. Loss of blood flow to areas in the brain can be due to:

• A blood clot in one or more arteries of the brain or a blood clot that may transit to the brain from another body part (e.g. heart, legs, etc.)
• Blood vessel injury
• Blood vessel narrowing in the brain or going to the brain

Symptoms of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

As previously mentioned, a transient ischemic attack has stroke-like symptoms but the difference lies in the duration. In most cases, most TIA symptoms disappear within an hour of the first symptom, however, symptoms may also last for as long as 24 hours in some cases. The easiest way to remember the sudden signs and symptoms of a TIA or stroke is FAST.

• F – face drooping (particularly on one side, e.g. uneven smile, unable to raise one eyebrow)
• A – arm weakness (on one side only)
• S – speech difficulty (e.g. difficulty understand or speaking – slurred speech)
• T – time to call for an ambulance

More signs and symptoms of stroke include:

• Abrupt trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Abrupt lack of coordination or balance, walking and dizziness
• Abrupt headache with unknown cause

Headache with unknown cause can occur when one is suffering from a transient ischemic attack (TIA)

First Aid Management for Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

It is often difficult to differentiate whether a person is suffering from a transient ischemic attack or stroke, thus it is necessary to administer first aid immediately. Learn first aid by taking First Aid Classes. Just like a stroke, a TIA is also considered a medical emergency:

• If the person presents with any of the following signs or symptoms in the previous section, call for local emergency help immediately.
• Note the time when the symptoms first appeared and tell the emergency personnel the exact time.
• If the person is conscious, ensure that the person is in a position of greatest comfort. If the person is unconscious and breathing, assist the person to their side in a supported position.
• Minimize heat loss by covering the patient with a blanket.
• Monitor the person for any change in consciousness.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) mimics stroke symptoms but only lasts for an hour to 24 hours and is said to be a future warning for a stroke.

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Obesity among Residents

Chest Discomfort or Pain Caused by Obesity

According to the data that was releases through the Alberta Primary Health Care Community Profile that was released in 2013 by the government of Alberta, the percentage of people who suffer from obesity in Lethbridge is higher than the provincial percentage for 2011. The obesity percentage of Lethbridge is 26.7 while the provincial percentage for Alberta is only 19.6. This shows a disparity of more than 7% which is equivalent to thousands of residents. The number of people who suffer from obesity is also increasing every year. According to the same study, 22.2% of Lethbridge’s population is diagnosed with obesity in 2010. In 2011, this number rose to 26.7%.

Obesity in the Future

Aside from the number of people who are already suffering from obesity, the number of people who are likely to suffer from the condition is rising as well. In 2010, it has been determined that 33.4% of the population is suffering from being overweight. In 2011, it was revealed that 34.5% of the population is suffering being overweight. Considering that being overweight usually leads to being obese, this means that 34.5% of the total population is at risk for obesity.

Obesity and Other Diseases

Obesity is often linked to the most common diseases not just in Lethbridge but in other cities and countries as well. These diseases include heart diseases, diabetes and even osteoarthritis. This means that the number of people who are at risk for obesity is not just limited to those who are already overweight.

Obesity and Lethbridge First Aid Classes

Through these classes, residents will learn how to manage obesity by ensuring that its health complications does not become life-threatening. This can help lessen the mortality of obesity due to its complications that can be treated by administering first aid. However, this should not be an excuse for obese or overweight people to adapt a healthier lifestyle and diet.

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Depression is a serious medical disorder involving the brain. It is commonly characterized by constant sadness, loss of interest in activities, energy loss, and suicidal thoughts, among others. Depression is more than feeling “blue” or the sadness over everyday matters. Depression symptoms do not disappear easily. There are intense feelings of sadness and worthlessness that interfere with daily life. Genetic,environmental, psychological and biochemical factors are attributed to the variety of causes.

Eight percent of Canadians will experience a major depression in their lifetime (Canadian Mental Health Association (ND). This does not count the people who will experience bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and other mental disorders that may lead to depression.It is more common in women and typically begins sometime between ages 15 and 30.

Forms of Depression

There are several different forms of depressive disorders than an individual can suffer:

• Major Depression or Major Depressive Disorder
  • Affects everyday functions that may disable a person
  • May be experienced once only but often occurs multiple times
• Dysthymic Disorder or Dysthymia
  • Chronic symptoms (lasting for more than two years)
  • Not disabling a person but may prevent normal functioning
  • May experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetime
• Minor Depression
  • Symptoms may last for two weeks or more but not severe enough to meet full criteria for major depression
  • Forms of Minor Depression:
    • Psychotic depression: severe depression accompanied by a form of psychosis (e.g. having delusions or hallucinations)
    • Postpartum depression: occurs in mothers who have recently given birth due to hormonal and physical changes in the body
    • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): onset of depression occurs during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight
• Bipolar Disorder or Manic-depressive Illness
  • Cycling mood changes from extreme highs to extreme lows

Causes of Depression

                A combination of genetic, environmental, psychological and biochemical factors lead to depression. The most common causes of depression include:

• Death of a loved one
• Losing a job or unemployment
• Breaking up or divorce
• Discrimination
• Bullying
• Victims of physical, emotional or sexual abuse
• Certain medications such as for hypertension, cancer, seizure, severe pain, etc.
• Alcohol and drug abuse

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Signs and symptoms may slightly vary in children, teenager, men and women but the commonly present symptoms of depression are the following:

• A constant sadness or feeling empty
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities
• Energy loss and fatigue
• Rapid change in weight – weight gain or weight loss – due to loss of appetite or overeating
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• Wanting to stay in bed the whole day
• Hopelessness or pessimism
• Feeling of worthlessness and guilt
• Irritability and restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts

Treatment for Depression

Depression

Depression cannot be treated with first aid, but there are cases where the first aider has to respond to a victim, or even a friend, with depression. Join in First Aid Courses to learn how to manage individuals with depression. The following precautionary steps and treatment are usually advised in individuals with depression:

• How to approach someone who may be experiencing depression:
  • It may be better to wait for the person to open up. If they do not initiate a conversation, say something at an appropriate place and suitable time for both to talk.
  • Express your concern and explain that you are willing to help. Encourage the person to talk to you.If they are not comfortable to talk to you, suggest getting professional help.
  • Form a strong support system
  • Do not be hostile or sarcastic.
• Medications may be prescribed for depression:
  • Antidepressants
  • Tricyclics
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Psychotherapy may sometimes be used to treat depression.

Source:

Depression. (ND). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

Fast Facts about Mental Illness. (ND). Canadian Mental Health Association. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.cmha.ca/media/fast-facts-about-mental-illness/#.UkfUtdJmiSp

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